Arrest over knifepoint hostage drama

By Chen Qian  |   2009-9-18  |     ONLINE EDITION

PROSECUTORS in Luwan District yesterday ratified the arrest of a man who allegedly robbed a passer-by and held another woman at knifepoint as a hostage in a stand-off with police.

The man, surnamed Wang, was alleged to have robbed a mobile phone and ring from a woman at knifepoint on Changle Road on July 30, fleeing into the nearby Yanzhong green belt after police were called.

During his escape, Wang allegedly knocked down a woman and took her hostage, Shanghai Morning Post reported today. He stabbed her in the arm and threatened to kill her, demanding a car for his escape.

Police brought the situation under control about 2am.

Prosecutors said Wang had decided to take someone hostage because he took off his T-shirt to wrap the knife blade in - he confessed he did so to avoid hurting or killing the hostage accidentally.

Wang, 27, confessed to police he turned to robbery after he lost his job from a restaurant and foot massage parlor. He also admitted a previous robbery and rape after he followed a woman home. Police are investigating the case, the report said.

Wang was jailed for robbery by Qianshan District People's Court in Anshan City, Liaoning Province, in 2004. He was released in February 2008.